Carlos and la Gorda talk about returning body-memories. Don Juan has foreseen the apprentices coupling to form a four-parted rattlesnake: Carlos and la Gorda the head, Nestor and Lydia the heart, Pablito and Josefina the belly, and Benigno and Rosa the tail. They set out this on a midnight hike to find a "power spot" in the mountains. When an enormous man blocks their way they retreat in silence. Believing it is Carlos' ally, la Gorda despairs, and Carlos volunteers to lead them elsewhere. Hearing Doña Soledad's name, Carlos feels an odd shiver in his belly and alone "sees" where she is. The little sisters, who have been cold towards Carlos, each suddenly recalls some forgotten past deed. He supposedly had gone beyond the wall of fog seeking la Gorda, nearly died, and afterward recognized no one. Nestor...